It is also reported that the deal will include an option for West Ham to buy the England number one at the end of the season.

Hart's contract at City is not due to expire until 2019.

Video - Euro Papers: Conte tells Real: get serious over Morata

01:39

OUR VIEW

It is surely only a matter of time until Hart finds a new permanent club and this is the latest step towards that. Guardiola clearly wants no part of having the England goalkeeper around at the Etihad Stadium and, at this point, Hart himself must be very keen to be rid of his current deal.

It was a very mixed last season for Hart at Torino with his spell at the club littered with gaffes and much-publicised errors. He will have to hope that he can regain his form (his confidence has never left him, of course) back in the Premier League ahead of what now looks likely will be a permanent move to the Hammers.